Introduction: Small Pets Deserve Big Care
From cozy condo bunnies to energetic guinea pigs and curious little hamsters, small pets are stealing the hearts of Canadian families - and for good reason. These pint-sized companions are full of personality, relatively low-maintenance, and a joy to watch. But just because they're small doesn't mean their care should be an afterthought.
In fact, small pets require just as much attention to nutrition, habitat, and enrichment as their larger canine or feline siblings. Improper diets, cramped cages, and a lack of mental stimulation can quickly lead to health issues like obesity, malnutrition, or stress-related behaviours.
That’s where Oxbow Animal Health shines. As one of the most trusted brands recommended by veterinarians worldwide, Oxbow takes small animal nutrition seriously. Their products are carefully formulated with species-specific needs in mind - meaning your chinchilla gets different care than your bunny, and your guinea pig won’t be stuck with rabbit food.
Whether you’re a first-time critter parent or a seasoned pro, starting with the right essentials is key - and this blog will walk you through everything you need to build a healthy, happy life for your small pets, all available at Brindle Pet Supplies and shipped right to your Canadian doorstep.
Bunny Basics: What Every Rabbit Needs to Thrive
Rabbits are more than just adorable fluff - they’re complex, intelligent, and social animals who need more than pellets and a hutch. If you're welcoming a bunny into your home (or upgrading care for your longtime hopper), getting their environment and diet right is essential to their long-term health.
Nutrition: Not Just Pellets, Please
Despite what old pet store pamphlets may say, pellets are not the main course for rabbits. High-fibre hay should make up the bulk of your rabbit’s diet - specifically Oxbow Western Timothy Hay or Oxbow Organic Meadow Hay, both known for supporting digestion and dental health.
Top Oxbow picks for rabbit nutrition:
- Oxbow Western Timothy Hay
- Oxbow Organic Meadow Hay
- Oxbow Essentials Adult Rabbit Food - great as a complementary pellet
Habitat: Bigger Is Always Better
A small cage won’t cut it. Your bunny needs room to stretch, hop, and zoom. Aim for a roomy x-pen setup or large enclosure, ideally with a safe roaming area in your home. Don’t forget a hay feeder, a hideaway space, and litter area.
Enrichment: A Bored Bunny Is a Destructive Bunny
Rabbits are wired to chew, dig, and explore. Without proper outlets, that curiosity turns into baseboard destruction. Equip their space with Oxbow Enriched Life chews, tunnels, and platforms to keep their minds and teeth busy.
Top enrichment picks:
- Oxbow Enriched Life Timothy Surprise
- Oxbow Enriched Life Celebration Bouquet
- Oxbow Enriched Life Hideaway Hive
Wellness and Daily Needs
Rabbits require regular grooming and attention to dental and digestive health. Products like Oxbow Natural Science Digestive Support or Papaya Support are vet-approved to support their delicate systems.
Must-have wellness items:
Guinea Pigs: The Vitamin C Superstars
Guinea pigs might be small, but their nutritional needs are mighty - and completely unique. One of the biggest differences between guinea pigs and other small animals? They can’t make their own vitamin C, which means their diet must provide it daily. That’s where Oxbow shines.
Daily Essentials
Oxbow Essentials Adult Guinea Pig Food
Fortified with stabilized vitamin C to prevent deficiency, plus a perfect blend of fibre-rich hay and nutrients.
Oxbow Garden Select Adult Guinea Pig Food
Made with non-GMO ingredients and real garden veggies, this blend provides variety while meeting core dietary needs.
Hay, Hay, Hay
Guinea pigs require unlimited high-fibre hay to keep their digestive systems moving and their teeth filed down.
- Oxbow Western Timothy Hay: The gold standard for guinea pigs—high in fibre, low in calcium, and super tasty.
- Oxbow Orchard Grass: A softer texture and sweeter smell, ideal for picky piggies or rotating with timothy for variety.
Chews and Enrichment
Guinea pigs love to explore with their mouths. Providing enrichment helps prevent boredom and supports their mental health.
- Oxbow Enriched Life Play Pom: Safe, natural chewing fun that also promotes foraging.
- OXBOW Enriched Life Colour Kabob: Stimulates movement and curiosity while dispensing treats or pellets.
- Oxbow Enriched Life Play Wall: Multi-textured and interactive, perfect for keeping piggies busy and engaged.
Grooming and Habitat Extras
- OXBOW Pure Comfort Bedding - Blend: Absorbent and low-dust—perfect for keeping guinea pig enclosures clean and comfortable.
Tiny But Mighty: Hamster and Gerbil Essentials
Hamsters and gerbils may be small, but their care needs are anything but minimal. These energetic little critters require proper housing, species-appropriate food, and safe enrichment to keep their minds and bodies active. Unfortunately, too many pet stores still recommend generic diets or unsafe plastic wheels - leading to stress, injury, or long-term health issues.
Let’s make sure your hamster or gerbil gets the tailored care they deserve.
What to Feed Your Hamster or Gerbil
- Oxbow Essentials Hamster and Gerbil Food (1 lbs) or (15 lbs): A species-specific formula made with stabilized nutrients, no artificial colours, and backed by veterinary nutritionists.
- Oxbow Forage Wise Adult Hamster and Gerbil Food: A premium blend of nutritious ingredients crafted to replicate the variety and balance of a wild foraging diet.
Must-Have Habitat Items
- Large, well-ventilated habitat with at least 450–600 sq inches of floor space
- Deep base for digging and burrowing (at least 6” of bedding)
- Safe bedding: Choose paper-based like Oxbow Pure Comfort over pine or cedar shavings
Enrichment and Accessories
- Oxbow Enriched Life Timothy Bungalow: A cozy, chewable hideout made of woven timothy hay.
- Oxbow Enriched Life Natural Play Dangly: Encourages healthy chewing and mental stimulation.
- OXBOW Enriched Life Hide Box Hanger: A multifunctional play-and-hide spot designed for tiny explorers.
Grooming and Maintenance
- Habitat spot-cleaned daily and full habitat clean weekly
- Water bottle: Always ensure fresh, clean water is accessible
What to Avoid
- Cotton/fluffy nesting materials
- Plastic cages with poor airflow
- Mixed seed diets with added sugars or artificial dyes
Chinchilla Checklist: Keeping These Climbers Healthy
Chinchillas may look like plush toys, but they have big energy, delicate digestive systems, and some very real environmental needs. Unlike other small pets, these floofy jumpers need vertical space and specific grooming routines—plus premium food and hay to stay in tip-top shape.
High-Fibre Food and Constant Hay Access
Chinchillas are strict herbivores and require a high-fibre, low-fat diet to maintain healthy digestion. Unlimited hay is non-negotiable—it fuels their gut and naturally trims their teeth. Oxbow Western Timothy Hay and Oxbow Organic Meadow Hay are top-tier choices for fibre content, palatability, and cleanliness.
Oxbow Essentials Chinchilla Food
This vet-recommended formula is made with timothy hay and fortified with stabilized nutrients for coat health, digestion, and longevity. It’s a pelleted diet, which discourages picky eating and ensures consistent nutrition in every bite. Avoid seed-based blends or anything too rich—chinchillas have sensitive tummies and need a simple, clean diet.
Top Pick: Oxbow Essentials Chinchilla Food
Must-Have: Dust Bath and Jump Platforms
Chinchillas should never be bathed in water - instead, they rely on dust baths 2–4 times a week to keep their dense fur clean and oil-free. Oxbow Poof! Dust is a fine-grade volcanic ash dust that mimics their native environment. And since chinchillas are natural jumpers, adding ledges and multi-level platforms to their habitat is key to keeping them active and happy.
Recommended:
Chews and Habitat Accessories
Chewing isn’t just a pastime - it’s essential for preventing tooth overgrowth. Safe options like Oxbow’s Timothy Apple Sticks, Lava Bites, and Wooden Play Centers offer both stimulation and dental support.
Chew-Friendly Options:
Rat and Mouse Checklist: Smart, Social, and Curious Critters
Nutrition That Matches Their Metabolism
Rats and mice may be tiny, but they burn energy like little machines. They need a balanced, nutrient-rich food that supports brain development, immune health, and long-term vitality. Oxbow Essentials Adult Rat Food is specially formulated with stabilized Vitamin C, prebiotics, and no junky fillers or artificial preservatives.
Cage Setup for Exploration and Comfort
These pets are active and incredibly intelligent, so a well-designed habitat is essential. Look for a multi-level cage with plenty of ventilation and horizontal space. Provide fleece or paper-based bedding that’s soft, safe, and odour-controlling.
Oxbow Must-Haves for Rats and Mice
- Oxbow Essentials Young Mouse and Rat Food: High-quality, balanced formula made with wholesome grains and no artificial colors or preservatives.
- Oxbow Simple Rewards Treats: Tiny but mighty reward-sized chews that are perfect for bonding and enrichment. Try the Veggie, Banana, or Timothy-based options.
Oxbow Enriched Life Accessories
Keep those brains busy with chew-safe tunnels, climbing ladders, and hiding huts like the Oxbow Enriched Life Play Table or the Chew-Proof Glass Water Bottle.
Enrichment Essentials: Mental stimulation is key for small rodents. Without it, they can become bored or destructive. Rotate toys weekly, and make sure there’s a mix of climbing, chewing, and hiding opportunities.
Bedding, Enrichment and Extras: The Overlooked Essentials
It’s easy to get caught up in food and habitat, but the little things often make the biggest difference in your pet’s daily comfort and wellbeing.
- Bedding Matters: Choose dust-free, absorbent options like Oxbow Pure Comfort Bedding - perfect for burrowing and nesting without irritating sensitive respiratory systems.
- Enrichment = Happy Pets: Mental stimulation is critical. Add chews, tunnels, and engaging toys from the Oxbow Enriched Life line to prevent boredom and promote natural behaviours.
- Don’t Forget the Basics: Every critter needs a proper water bottle, food bowl, and at least one cozy hideout. These essentials offer security and support healthy routines.
Why Canadian Pet Parents Choose Brindle Pet Supplies
When it comes to sourcing premium small pet products in Canada, Brindle Pet Supplies is the go-to for a reason.
- No Customs, No Guesswork: We stock and ship directly within Canada, so you avoid long waits and surprise fees when ordering Oxbow online in Canada.
- Fast, Reliable Delivery: Whether you’re in Vancouver, Toronto, or a remote area in Alberta, we ship Canada-wide with fast delivery and subscribe and save options.
- Authorized Oxbow Retailer: We’re a trusted source for authentic Oxbow Animal Health products - from hay to habitat accessories.
Final Thoughts: Start Strong with the Right Supplies
Small pets may be tiny - but their care shouldn’t be an afterthought.
- Shop smart with vet-recommended products designed for longevity and health.
- Oxbow Animal Health leads the way with science-backed nutrition, enrichment, and bedding solutions.
- And with Brindle Pet Supplies, Canadian pet parents get quality, convenience, and exceptional service - all in one place.
Call to Action: Shop Oxbow at Brindle Pets
Ready to upgrade your small pet’s care? Browse our full selection of Oxbow Animal Health food, hay, bedding, and enrichment at brindlepets.ca
- Subscribe and save on recurring essentials
- Enjoy fast, Canada-wide delivery
- Shop confidently with Brindle Pet Supplies - your Canadian source for premium small pet products